King’s Lynn Stars owner Keith Chapman has been left counting the cost of no Premiership racing this year but has confirmed the Stars will be back in action in 2021.

Norwich Evening News: Stars' owner Keith Chapman Picture: Ian BurtStars' owner Keith Chapman Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2016)

The intention is for racing to return to the Adrian Flux Arena next year and Chapman is keen to keep the same team if possible.

“It’s cost us thousands and thousands in missed income,” said Chapman. “And because we oversee everything at the Arena, our costs are fixed for the year, whatever comes in we know what our outgoings are and it’s been a dreadful time.

“From that point of view we are worse off than those clubs who rent from landlords and only pay for the use of the venue on a match by match basis.

“Despite all this King’s Lynn Speedway will bounce back, I have no doubt about that, and this is a time for us all to stick together, get through the winter and rebuild for a big push towards 2021.”

It was confirmed on Tuesday that professional league speedway had been cancelled for 2020, as the UK’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic continues.

That followed the government announcement last Friday which stated October as the target date for crowds to return to sporting stadia, which did not leave enough time for a full season of league racing to be staged.

Chapman added: “Every effort was made by promoters up and down the country to stage league racing but it’s just not possible and it’s great news for the sport that the TV broadcast deal remains in place going forward.

“I’d also like to think we can keep the same team, if the riders are keen to remain for 2021. We’ll start to have a chat with them, so let’s see if we can pull them all back together for next spring.”

Chapman says there is a strong possibility of some speedway this year with hopes of a British Final going ahead along with grassroots youth and development action at National League standard.

He’s also open to the possibility of an individual event with a revival of the traditional Pride of the East event when crowds are allowed back in October.

“If and when it becomes possible of course we will look to stage some sort of speedway at the Adrian Flux Arena,” he added. “In fact I’d go as far as to say we are keen to make it happen if at all possible.”